9 Signs and Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Do you feel like you’ve been going back and forth in the bathroom? It may be because of the digestive troubles when you eat something that is not a fan of your stomach. Or have you been in a situation where you almost felt like dying because of stomach discomfort and diarrhea or constipation that returns repeatedly? Lookout as it may be the sign and symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Functional
gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, also known as diseases of the gut-brain
interface, are characterized by difficulties in how your stomach and brain
communicate with one another. Your digestive system becomes very sensitive as a
result of these issues. Additionally, they alter the way your gut muscles contract.
As a consequence, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and constipation are
experienced.
And it is at this
point that Irritable Bowel Syndrome develops. It is a prevalent form of
gastrointestinal disorder that affects the digestive tract.
So now you know
what IBS is (the disorder that affects your digestion area), it is time to
learn what type of Irritable Bowel Syndrome you may experience and what causes
this to trigger.
Researchers
classify IBS according to the bowel movement difficulties you are experiencing.
The kind of IBS you have might impact your recovery since some medications are
only effective for particular forms of IBS.
People who suffer
from IBS often have regular bowel movements on certain days and abnormal ones
on others. The kind of IBS you have is determined by the frequency and severity
of your irregular bowel movements:
- IBS with constipation
(IBS-C) is characterized by the presence of
complex and lumpy stool (poop) for the majority of the time.
- IBS with diarrhea
(IBS-D) is characterized by loose, watery stools (poop)
that are difficult to pass.
- IBS with mixed bowel
habits (IBS-M) is characterized by the presence
of both hard and lumpy stool (poop) movements on the same day as loose and
watery motions.
So what causes IBS?
Researchers have been studying how likely specific characteristics are affected
more than the others:
Being a woman.
Women are affected
at a rate almost double that of males. Although it is unclear why this occurs,
some experts believe that the fluctuating hormone levels associated with the
menstrual cycle may have something to do with it.
Age.
Even though IBS may
affect individuals of any age, it is more common in those in their twenties
through their forties.
The history of the family.
The illness seems
to be passed down via generations. According to some research, your genes may
influence your health.
Emotional difficulties.
A small number of
persons with IBS seem to have difficulties dealing with stress, have a mental
disease, or have had a traumatic incident in their life. Stress or IBS? It's difficult to say which
comes first, if either. However, evidence suggests that stress management and
behavioral treatment might assist some individuals with the illness reduce
their symptoms.
Sensitivities to certain foods.
Some individuals
may have digestive tracts that rumble furiously when they consume dairy
products, wheat, and fructose, among other things. Foods high in fat, fizzy
beverages, and alcohol may cause digestive problems. Although there is no
evidence that any of these foods cause IBS, they may produce symptoms.
Medications.
According to
several studies, antibiotics, antidepressants, and sorbitol medicines have all
been linked to IBS symptoms.
Remembering what
type of IBS you are experiencing comes down to what signs and symptoms you
should monitor.
Cramping and discomfort
Abdominal
discomfort is the most prevalent symptom, and it is also the most important
factor in determining the diagnosis. Usually, your stomach and brain work in
tandem to regulate your digestive system. This is accomplished by the secretion
of hormones, neurons, and signals by the beneficial bacteria that dwell in your
gut.
The impulses that
typically coordinate the digestive system get skewed in those with IBS,
resulting in uncoordinated and uncomfortable tension in the digestive tract
muscles. This discomfort is most often felt in the lower abdomen or across the
whole abdomen, with the upper abdomen being the least probable location.
Dietary adjustments
may be effective in alleviating pain and other symptoms. In addition to these
therapies, bowel relaxants such as peppermint oil, cognitive behavior therapy,
and hypnosis are available.
Diarrhea
IBS with diarrhea
as the prominent symptom is one of the three primary kinds of the condition. It
affects around one-third of persons suffering from IBS. Additionally, feces
(poop) produced by the diarrhea-predominant kind is loose and watery, and it
may include mucus, as described above.
Increased bowel
transit in people with IBS might also cause an unexpected and strong desire to
go potty. Some patients report that this is a substantial cause of worry and
that they avoid certain social settings out of fear of experiencing an
unexpected beginning of diarrhea.
Constipation
What's the difference
between diarrhea and constipation, and how can you tell the difference?
According to the World Health Organization, constipation has fewer than three
bowel motions per week. Despite the fact that it seems paradoxical, IBS may
produce constipation and diarrhea. Constipation-predominant IBS is the most
prevalent kind of IBS, affecting about half of all persons who suffer from the
condition.
Constipation in IBS
is characterized by abdominal discomfort that subsides with bowel movements.
Constipation is a common symptom of IBS, as is the sense of having an
incomplete bowel movement. This results in unnecessarily stressful situations.
An altered
connection between the brain and intestine may cause the typical transit time
of stool to be accelerated or slowed. When transit time slows, the colon
absorbs more water from the feces, making traveling through the digestive tract
more challenging.
Constipation and diarrhea on alternate days
If you think
diarrhea by itself is uncomfortable, just wait till it is combined with
constipation, and you will understand. About 20% of individuals with IBS have
mixed constipation and diarrhea, alternating between the two symptoms.
Diarrhea and
constipation are common symptoms of IBS, as is persistent, recurrent stomach
discomfort. This kind of IBS is more severe than the others, with more frequent
and strong symptoms. Furthermore, the signs and symptoms of mixed IBS differ
significantly from one individual to another. This illness needs a tailored
treatment strategy rather than "one size fits all" guidelines to be
successfully treated.
Changes in the frequency of bowel movements
Because the gut
absorbs water, slow-moving stool (poop) often gets dehydrated in the intestine.
As a result, hard stool is produced, which may aggravate the symptoms of
constipation.
Because of the
rapid passage of feces through the gut, there is little time for water to be
absorbed, resulting in loose stools typical of diarrhea. IBS may also cause
mucus to build up in the stool, which is not generally connected with other
types of constipation such as constipation due to diarrhea.
Blood in the stool
might indicate another, possibly dangerous medical disease and should prompt
you to consult with your physician. Blood in the stool may seem red, although
it is more typically highly dark or black, with a tarry substance than red.
Gas and bloating
Increased gas
production in the intestines results from altered digestion in IBS. This might
result in bloating, which is a discomforting condition. According to many
people who suffer from it, bloating is one of the most persistent and
bothersome symptoms of IBS.
Intolerance of certain foods
It is estimated
that up to 70% of those who suffer from IBS indicate that certain meals
aggravate their symptoms. It is unknown why certain foods cause these effects.
Food intolerances are not the same as allergies, and the foods that trigger
them do not produce detectable abnormalities or indigestion.
Fatigue and
difficulty sleeping are two symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. More than
half of those who suffer from IBS report feeling exhausted. In one research,
160 persons with IBS reported having poor stamina, making it difficult to
engage in physical activity at work, at leisure, or in social contact.
Interstitial bowel
syndrome (IBS) is associated with insomnia, resulting in trouble falling
asleep, frequent awakening, and feeling sleepy in the morning. Unexpectedly,
inadequate sleep is associated with more severe gastrointestinal problems the
next day.
Anxiety and depression
Anxiety and despair
have also been related to IBS in several studies. It is unknown if IBS symptoms
are a manifestation of mental stress or whether the stress of living with IBS
makes individuals more susceptible to psychological troubles in the first
place.
Regardless of which
comes first, anxiety and intestinal IBS symptoms reinforce one another,
creating a seemingly endless loop. Another research examined the levels of the
stress hormone cortisol in people who had IBS and those who did not have the
condition. When asked to do a public speaking activity, individuals suffering
from IBS showed more significant variations in cortisol, indicating higher
levels of stress.
What to do?
If you are
experiencing symptoms of IBS that interfere with your quality of life, make an
appointment with a primary care doctor in your area who can assist you in
diagnosing IBS and ruling out other disorders that may be mistaken for it. IBS
is diagnosed when there has been recurring abdominal discomfort for at least
six months, paired with weekly pain for at least three months, and a
combination of pain alleviated by bowel movements and changes in the frequency
or type of bowel movements, among other symptoms.
In some instances,
your doctor may send you to a gastroenterologist trained in digestive illnesses
who may assist you in identifying triggers and discussing treatment options for
your symptoms. If you believe you have IBS, you should consider keeping a log
of your symptoms and food intake. Then, bring these details to your doctor to
assist them in diagnosing and controlling the illness.
Remedy
IBS treatment aims
to alleviate symptoms as much as possible, allowing you to function as normally
as possible.
Stress management
and dietary and lifestyle modifications may frequently be used to treat mild indications
and symptoms of the condition. Make an effort to:
●
Foods that cause your symptoms
should be avoided.
●
Consume foods that are rich in
fiber.
●
Drink lots of water to stay
hydrated.
●
Exercise regularly
●
Make sure you get adequate sleep.
Your doctor may
recommend that you avoid the following foods from your diet:
- Foods with a lot of gas.
If
you have bloating or gas, you may want to avoid goods such as carbonated and
alcoholic drinks and some meals that may cause increased gas production.
- Gluten.
According
to research, some persons with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) report relief in
diarrhea symptoms if they avoid gluten (wheat, barley, and rye), even if they
do not have celiac disease.
- FODMAPs.
A
group of carbohydrates known as FODMAPs, such as fructose and fructans, and
lactose and other sugars, cause sensitivity in specific individuals. FODMAPs
are present in various foods, including grains, vegetables, fruits, and dairy.
If your
difficulties are moderate or severe, your doctor may recommend seeking therapy.
This is particularly true if you have depression or if stress has a tendency to
exacerbate your problems.
Disclaimer: The material
included in the articles on this website is provided only for informative and
educational reasons and is not intended to replace professional medical advice
or consultations with healthcare professionals. To get an exact and
professional diagnosis, see your doctor.
If you are looking
for the best Irritable bowel syndrome specialist
Singapore then you are at right place.
IBS Specialist Singapore Mount Elizabeth
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4342-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-signs-and-symptoms-of-ibs
https://www.webmd.com/ibs/guide/digestive-diseases-irritable-bowel-syndrome
